IFC-based framework for evaluating building envelope performance

Abstract

Building envelope is a subsystem in a housing system, but it is not a separate part of a house. Its performance and construction details should be taken into consideration with the house concurrently. Computer simulation is one of the most significant methods to evaluate the performance of the building envelope. However, simulation programs are good for evaluating separate functions but do not address the global performance requirements for a building envelope system. Moreover, data input in some of these applications is complicated and time-consuming, and people who run the applications need advanced computer skills and professional experience. Furthermore, some of these applications cannot read the geometry data from CAD drawings, and this results in low efficiency and data input errors. The objectives of the research study aims to develop an IFC ( Industry Foundation Classes )-based framework to meet the requirements of evaluating building envelope performance by integrating evaluation applications and criteria with IT (Information Technology) and IFC. It investigates and compares applications and criteria, and then develops a conceptual framework for integrating tools to evaluate building envelope performance and compare this performance against sets of criteria. The framework extracts geometry and material layer data of a house from CAD drawings in IFC model, links to performance evaluation applications, such as HOT2000 and MOIST3.0, and compares evaluation results against a set of criteria. A prototype system has been developed including a preprocessor, an application integrator, and a postprocessor. Finally, a case study, which aims to validate this prototype system, is discussed.